Mentoring can be understood as a relationship where the mentor provides guidance, support and help to a mentee in order to accelerate self-development, career progression and overall confidence. Traditionally, mentors were known to be guides, role models and elders in specific areas of expertise.

In a recent survey conducted with 100 businesses located in the Bay of Plenty, Toi Kai Rawa identified that business development advice and Māori business mentors were key areas of business support needed. There are few mentoring programmes that are designed from a kaupapa Māori worldview and there is limited access to Māori business mentors within the current programmes that exist across New Zealand.

Toi Kai Rawa will be working with key partners to develop a fit for purpose Mentoring Programme accessible for our Māori Businesses in the wider Bay of Plenty Region based on the following key elements.